Spurgeon and me

Welcome to my shire. This is the place where you will read my thoughts and interact with me on personal and theological issues. I hope you will feel free to dialogue with me on life and Jesus.
For me a shire is a place of quiet reflection. Imagine us sitting on lush green (bugless) grass beside a quietly bubbling stream and calmly talking about stuff that matters to us. The sun is shining and it's warm but there is a cool breeze. Our shire is a place to speak freely and disagree but not take it personally.

Lately I have been reading about Charles Spurgeon, the great English preacher of the 19th century. Man, that guy was amazing. He began preaching at the age of 17 and was called to an urban church in London at 19. They were so amazed at his ability to speak and his maturity on matters of life that the congregation offered him the position after hearing him preach only once. The church could seat 1200 but only 80 were present that day. No matter since in a year there 5000 associated with the church due to Spurgeon's preaching. I wish I could say there were similarities between us.
I began preaching at 20 and have yet to have the following he has had. One similarity that is quite humorous is the fact that after his home was broken into the Spurgeons got a dog. Mind you it was not a watch dog but a small dog of the Pug variety. We also have a Pug, his name is Buddy, and he thinks he owns the road in front of our house. Whenever a snowmobiler, a car, a truck or even a pedestrian goes by he erupts in a fit of barking. If that same person were to come in to our house Buddy with greet them with a sniff and the anticipation of getting to sit on their laps. Wonder if Spurgeon had the same experience.
Okay I knew at 15 that the LORD was calling me to be a pastor. So that might be another similarity. Spurgeon was known for his simple telling of the gospel, taking complex theological issues and speaking so that anyone could understand. I am not complex. Some have even said I am not dynamic (though I have no idea what that means) or that I am boring (thanks Syl). So be it. God has taken me, called me, given me this work to do and who I am to oppose his plan.
What are your experiences in ministry? How has Spurgeon been an inspiration to you? Is anybody out there?